Circulating metabolites, genetics and lifestyle factors in relation to future risk of type 2 diabetes
Authors' conclusion
These findings provide a foundation for understanding T2D mechanisms and may inform precision prevention targeting specific metabolic pathways.
Study context
- Population
- Initially T2D-free participants from ten cohortsup to
- Participants
- 23,634 participants
- Outcome
- Metabolites associated with incident T2D
- Follow-up
- Up to 26 years
Methodological detailsten cohorts, multi-omics
- Ten cohorts
- Multi-omics
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Metabolites examined
469
Metabolites associated with incident T2D
235
Associations not previously reported (bile acid, lipid, carnitine, urea cycle and arginine/proline, glycine and histidine pathways)
67
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Genetic analyses
- Metabolites linked to signaling pathways and clinical traits central to T2D pathophysiology (insulin resistance, glucose/insulin response, ectopic fat deposition, energy/lipid regulation, liver function)
Lifestyle factors
- Physical activity, obesity and diet explained greater variations in T2D-associated vs non-associated metabolites; specific metabolites potential mediators
T2D risk prediction
- 44-metabolite signature improved T2D risk prediction beyond conventional factors
Original publication
Circulating metabolites, genetics and lifestyle factors in relation to future risk of type 2 diabetes. Nat Med. Published 14 January 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →